The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is Australia's national transport safety investigator. The ATSB's function is to improve safety and public confidence in the aviation, marine and rail modes of transport. The ATSB is Australia's prime agency for the independent investigation of civil aviation, rail and maritime accidents, incidents and safety deficiencies.

Aviation safety issues and actions

Recommendation issued to: Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Output text

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the Civil
Aviation Safety Authority expand the requirements for the carriage
and activation of transponders with the object of maximising the
effectiveness of airborne collision avoidance systems.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority does not agree with
recommendations R20000181 and R20000182, but supports
recommendations R20000184, R20000198 and R20000199. R20000183 is
still being considered.

CASA is, at this stage, still considering R20000183 and is
currently reviewing mandatory requirements for the carriage and
activation of transponders. Although the current level of
transponder fitment in the Australian fleet is high, it is accepted
that a higher level of fitment and mandatory requirements for
activation of transponders where TCAS-equipped aircraft are
operating would enhance safety.

ATSB comment:

As at 20 March 2008, no further advice had been received from
CASA on their consideration of the recommendation and the ATSB
reclassifies it is Closed - Not Accepted.